Book Publishing Companies: What You Need to Know
Learn more about book publishing by claiming your free publishing guide.
In this age, there are several different ways to publish a book — each of which comes with its own advantages and challenges. Different types of publishing work for different types of books, so it’s essential that you approach the process with an open mind, explore your options and make a decision based on what makes sense for you and your book.
Different Types of Book Publishing Companies:
- Traditional Publishers – This approach typically involves finding an agent who would represent you and take your project to publishers with the hopes of selling it and getting an advance against future royalties. There is usually a sales team and broad distribution. With traditional book publishing companies, the author does not retain rights to their manuscript. The current major trade publishers in the United States are: Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Hachette and HarperCollins.
- Self-Publishers – These book publishing companies give authors the opportunity to publish their own work into the marketplace. Though the author must make a financial investment upfront, this allows them to see their book in print or online and make it accessible to an audience without the requirement of being accepted by a literary agent. The author retains full ownership and rights in addition to all proceeds from sales. These companies provide guidance and knowledge for authors in the publishing process. This is the approach that we offer to our authors at Media City Publishers.
- DIY Publishers – With DIY book publishing companies, an author typically uploads a manuscript to an online tool to create a book and get it into distribution. Some of these solutions are limited in the formats they produce (often e-book only) or in their distribution channels. However, if you follow through, you can get your book published and available for sale in at least one format and through at least one online retailer for little to no cost. Because you won’t be using the professional services of others, your finished book could end up lacking proper editing, cover design, marketing copy, etc. Booktango, Book Country, Blurb and Lulu are examples of DIY book publishing companies.
Self-publishing with Media City
As a supported self-publishing company, Media City Publishers offers packages that include varying levels and types of services to help authors with formatting, distribution, design, marketing, etc. With the option to add on professional services for publishing, promoting and selling your book, this approach offers a one-stop shop for everything you might need to meet your publishing goal. Because you choose from a range of offerings and price points, you’ll know up front what your cost will be and exactly what you will receive with your publishing package.
Media City Publishers can guide you in your efforts to publish a book.
Our team is available to answer any questions you have on the publishing process.Take the next step to realizing the vision of your published book.